Top 5 affordable modern-classic bikes in India

Top 5 affordable modern-classic bikes in India

Two-wheelers have come a long way from being just modes of transport to high-tech and fun-to-ride machines. However, the retro-styled motorcycles continue to tug at heartstrings of the riders and their popularity has only grown by the day. As a result, manufacturers are also cashing in on this craze by introducing pocket-friendly modern-classic offerings. If you’re out in the market in search of one such motorcycle, here are the top five options you can choose from.

Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220

Starting with the cheapest offering in the list, the Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 is the most affordable cruiser with retro styling in India. While it is also available in a modern ‘Street’ avatar, the Cruise version is purely classic owing to the chrome-finished components. Besides looking old-school, it is also suitable for touring with a pulled-back handlebar, spacious seat, front-set footpegs and a tall windscreen. Powering the bike is a 220cc, oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine which makes 19bhp and 17.5Nm. Bajaj retails the Avenger Cruise 220 at Rs 116,672.

Royal Enfield Classic 350

Royal Enfield needs no introduction as it has been ruling the modern-classic territory in India for years. And the main reason for this has been the Classic 350 - its best-selling model for a long time. Owing to the styling inspired by an RE model from the World War 2 era, the Classic 350 is old-school in the true sense. Several elements like the chrome-finished round mirrors, sprung rider’s seat and the peashooter exhaust exude nostalgia. Then there’s the relaxed 346cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine which produces 19.1bhp and 28Nm. The motorcycle is priced between Rs 1.57-1.70 lakh, depending on the variant. 

Jawa Standard

The Jawa Standard is yet another motorcycle which is a replica of a bike from the olden days. It features a design identical to the Jawa 250 Type A from the 1960s with the same headlamp cluster, analogue clock, fuel tank, handlebar, under seat panel, dual exhaust and rear fender. While the engine also looks vintage, it is a newly-developed 293cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder mill which is good for 27bhp and 28Nm. The Jawa Standard comes in a single-channel and dual-channel ABS variants which are priced at Rs 1.74 lakh and 1.83 lakh, respectively.

Benelli Imperiale 400

The new Imperiale 400 is Benelli’s take on the likes of the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Jawa Standard. While the design is majorly similar to that of the Classic 350, the Imperiale looks slightly more modern with a blacked-out engine while the instrument cluster is also a semi-analogue unit with a tiny LCD display. Clinging on to its double cradle frame is a 374cc, single-cylinder motor which is smooth and vibe-free for the most part. Benelli has pegged the Imperiale 400 at Rs 1.79 lakh which is set to increase with the BS6 update soon.

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Just like other Royal Enfields, the Interceptor 650 is also a vintage-looking pair of wheels. However, the main highlight of the bike is its engine. Developed in the UK, it is the most refined and smooth-running engine developed by RE to date. Also, the Interceptor is the most affordable motorcycle with a parallel-twin powerplant you can buy in India. This 648cc unit pumps out 47bhp and 52Nm which is tractable enough for city use while adequately potent for highway cruising. Available in different colour options, prices of the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 start at Rs 2.65 lakh and go up to Rs 2.86 lakh.

(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)